Aguinaldo Santos, a 33-year-old Brazilian multi-artist, is a prominent figure in contemporary art in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Born in Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Brazil, Santos was inspired by the works of Romero Britto and pursued a degree in architecture and urbanism, graduating in 2016 (ESUDA).

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In 2018, he moved to the United States to study interior design at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) in Charlotte. During this time, he immersed himself in diverse cultures and languages, enriching his creative perspective.

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In 2021, Santos gained significant recognition when he was selected for the MADE IN CLT art competition, sponsored by Blumenthal Arts and Wells Fargo. His project, which integrated art, architecture, and photography, led to a display at the Charlotte Art Gallery. His innovative approach captivated audiences, emphasizing his multi-disciplinary talent.

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Overcoming the challenges of poverty, family alcoholism, and the absence of his parents, Santos found solace in art from a young age. He painted his first picture at 13 and faced numerous obstacles, including a denied visa at 15, before achieving his dream of living as an artist in the United States. Inspired by his mother, who taught him the art of expression through painting, Santos continues to push artistic boundaries and represent Latino talent in the U.S.

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His upcoming project, "Leaf of Light," will be featured at the CIAF Festival in Ballantyne in 2024. This functional sculpture, designed to harness solar energy and provide charging stations for visitors' cell phones, exemplifies Santos's innovative approach to art. Additionally, his "Learning Sculpture," set to be exhibited in New York City, explores the collaborative process of learning through visual interpretation.

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Santos's past works include notable exhibitions such as the immersive installation "1839," sponsored by Blumenthal Performing Arts, which recreated the first commercial camera to celebrate Charlotte's history. In 2022, he participated in CharlotteShout! by creating Easter egg sculpture honoring local football culture during the World Cup year.

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Today, Aguinaldo Santos stands as a testament to the power of resilience and creativity. His works, displayed in various prominent venues, continue to captivate and inspire audiences, proving that dreams, whether American, Brazilian, or beyond, can indeed become reality. Now in the process of obtaining an artist visa, Santos is seeking sponsorship for his next project in New York, promising even more groundbreaking contributions to the world of art.